Thanks to nearby property owner Gregg Cooke who contacted the Working
Group to let us know he discovered what he identified as Eurasian
Watermilfoil growing close to shore in Sandy Cove. Bob Heyes visited the
site this week and confirmed there are several EWM plants at this location
and that conditions make it possible for property owners to effectively
manage this outbreak if action is taken soon. If you are close to the site and
can offer assistance please talk to Gregg or provide your contact details to
dslpoaewm@gmail.com.
Why would this location be attractive to our invasive visitor? There are a few
reasons we could suggest:
1. The public boat launch is used frequently as boats enter and leave
Drag Lake. If a boat owner does not inspect their boat and trailer and
follow the clean, drain, dry protocol, it is possible that EWM fragments
have been deposited in the water.
2. The public beach is often used as a temporary soft landing spot for
Drag Lake boaters. If a boat has been through EWM on its way to the
beach, fragments could have hitchhiked to the beach and been
deposited in the water.
3. Someone fishing in or near another EWM site could have picked up a
fragment hitchhiker and deposited it near the new site while fishing
there.
4. Someone close by in Sandy Cove could have removed EWM fragments
from their boat or fishing gear and disposed of it too close to the
water’s edge, allowing them to re-enter the lake.
5. Once it has taken root at this site any plant would enjoy the shallow
water and steady flow of fresh water and nutrients from the adjacent
stream.
This conditions at this site resemble those at site EWM4 in Bonham’s Bay.
Quick action now will be an important step in controlling the growth.
